(UNDATED) – 71 Duke Energy line workers from Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky will compete this Saturday, May 18th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the annual Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo. The event will be held at the Duke Energy Indiana headquarters, 1000 East Main Street, in Plainfield, Ind.
The lineman’s rodeo will compete against one another using skills that are unique to their profession. Events include:
a speed climb up a wood pole (with the additional challenge of holding a raw egg in their mouths and not breaking it) Simulating rescuing a hurt co-worker from atop a utility pole and other events designed to mimic the unexpected challenges linemen face on the job.
Many teams and individual competitors have put in dozens of hours training and honing their skills before the rodeo.
In addition to competing for the best elapsed time in these events, linemen are evaluated on how safely they complete their tasks by adhering to specific safety practices for each task.
Contestants are divided into three groups:
- Apprentices, who have fewer than four years of utility experience
- Journeymen, who have more than four years of utility experience
- Senior journeymen who must be at least 45 years old
After this regional event, the best of the best will be selected to compete for honors at the International Lineman’s Rodeo Oct. 16-19, 2019, in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
The rodeo also features several teams competing in a barbeque contest on the rodeo grounds. The winners will receive prizes.
For the first time, a lineman’s rodeo energy careers workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. High school students from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to attend the workshop. Topics include line work, drone aviation, engineering technologies, and wind and renewable solar generation. No prior registration is required to attend.
